One of the most significant obstacles for nature is the contamination of soil which harbours several health hazards. Among other pollution like air pollution, sound pollution, water pollution, etc., soil pollution predominantly destroys the environment. Soil is the base for the whole universe, including plants, animals, human beings etc. Therefore, soil pollution can significantly harm the whole ecosystem.
Let us explore more about soil pollution by understanding soil pollution causes.
Definition
The existence of toxic chemicals and maze models with high concentrations in soil, which destroys the ecosystem and the fertility of the soil, exhibits a high risk to the wildlife, plants and the health of humankind.
Types of Soil Pollution
Soil Pollution, in a nutshell, includes types, causes, solutions, and preventions etc. Various types of soil pollution may occur due to multiple reasons. Few of them are –
- Due to radiation, the fertility strength may decrease and pollute the minerals of the soil.
- Spilling oil may cause another kind of soil pollution. Especially around the fuel stations, the oil may spill out accidentally and destroy the soil.
- Chemical usage at high concentrations like benzene may lead to soil pollution.
Causes of Soil Pollution
Besides the above causes, in the current scenario, soil pollution may have several causes. Most of the damage may be caused by human activities, and few are due to natural calamities. All these causes have several contaminants which act as pollutants.
- Industrial wastage: Various industries play a significant role in soil pollution. The number of mining, manufacturing units and industries was increasing rapidly, and their job was to extract minerals from the soil. Like iron ore, coal, petrol, etc., were taken forcefully from the soil. And also, the contaminated industrial wastes took longer periods to dissolve into the soil. For instance, lead, mercury, zinc, hydrocarbons, arsenic, etc., act as soil pollutants.
- Agricultural Practices: For fast and high productivity, vast amounts of pesticides and fertilisers are used, which destroys the ecosystem and soil. All the ancient farming methods vanished and were replaced by modern technology. They reduce the strength of soil instantly. These chemicals present in pesticides and fertilisers may damage the rich composition of the soil.
- Disposal of Wastes: Another growing cause of soil pollution is the disposal of wastage. Baby diapers to several undissolved waste particles are dumped into the soil. It destroys the ecosystem and composition of the soil. Humans are producing vast amounts of various industrial, biological, and personal waste, which contaminates the soil.
- Acid rains: Acid rains are natural pollutants for soil pollution. The contaminated particles of air get merged with rain and fall on the ground. Dissolving these acid rains damages the nutrients and minerals present in the soil.
Consequences of Soil Pollution
Soil Pollution has numerous negative consequences. It exhibits a significant impact on our daily lives. Soil pollution can harm humans, plants, wildlife, etc. Let us understand more about these devastating consequences.
- The health of humankind: We feed on plants and plant products mainly. If the soil gets contaminated, the pollution is absorbed by the plants and the food particles also. By consuming these polluted food items, human beings May get affected with several health diseases. They are-
- The short-term effects are headaches, skin allergies, nausea, vomiting, coughing, weakness, chest pain, wheezing, etc.
- Besides these health issues, several long-term diseases like damage of the central nervous system, developing various kinds of cancers, dysfunctioning of different internal organs like kidneys, livers, etc.
- Growth of Plants: The rise in the level of soil contamination majorly affects the growth of plants. Plants consume various nutrients and minerals from the soil. Due to soil pollution, the soil’s nutrients get destroyed, and it affects the growth of plants. Similarly, due to the polluted soil, several bacteria and fungi were formed on the leaves of the plants. YouTube the usage of pesticides, fertilisers, and disposal of various industrial waste, the soil may get a decreased fertility and increased toxicity.
- Effect on Wildlife: Soil pollution may if it’s a great play on wildlife. Several herbivores and other organisms feed on these polluting plants and become extinct due to the increase in death rate. Also, the song has changed its structure and failed to absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Poisoning of Underground water: the gastric development of contaminants in soil affects the present water underground. The water becomes toxic, and it destroys the aquatic animals present in the underground water.
Controlling of Soil Pollution
Soil is the greatest resource provided by nature. It is the responsibility of every living organism to protect our soil. If human beings follow some prevention and control measures, we can decrease soil contamination and renew itself. They are-
- We should restrict the usage of pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Due to high concentrated chemicals, even though food production may increase, it is not rich in nutrients.
- Soil pollution can get controlled by promoting reforestation and afforestation. Due to the increase in trees and forests, the natural energy will increase and avoid natural pollutants caused by air, etc.
- Promotional free usable products and avoiding industrial and plastic wastages. The reusable products can be recycled and can be easily dumped into the soil. It doesn’t affect the structure of soil and protects the minerals and nutrients in the ground.
- Preparation of natural compost gives more energy to the soil and locks all the nutrients in the food particles. It gives a healthy lifestyle for humankind and avoids most diseases.
- Phytoremediation also promotes the decontamination of soil; for this process, organisms were involved.
- Using the process of high thermal radiation, the extraction of pollutants from the soil is possible.
Final Thoughts
Soil pollution is one of the most significant obstacles to the growth of natural vegetation, a healthy lifestyle. There are several reasons for the contamination of soil. Most of the causes for a good are man-made activities and unnecessary insoluble waste. Regulating soil pollution was mandatory by following the controlling measures, and every individual should feel it as a responsibility to protect our natural resources.
